Measurement for Early Intervention Intake, NICU Follow-up and Outcomes Studies

Chapter 13 describes a measurement approach to evaluating children highly likely to have problems in a way that is economical but also detailed, i.e., assessment-level tools. In contrast with lengthy diagnostic batteries requiring an expensive multi-disciplinary team, assessment-level tools provide a richer set of metrics than do screening tests, but are far less costly than diagnostic measures. Measurement is a means to a far more important end—helping decide whether children and families need services—while also providing information needed for detailed progress tracking in all domains, and for IDEA decisions about eligibility especially in the 0 – 3 year age range.

We include on this page a dictation template useful for documenting issues with complex patients as well as helpful resources on conducting a neurodevelopmental exam, providing hearing and vision screening in practices, and links to two different national protocols for NICU follow-up.

Resources for NICU Follow-up and Early Intervention Intake

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development protocol and workshop on follow-up of the NICU Patient can be found at the Health Science website.

Ambulatory Pediatrics Association’s Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns (BORN). BORN is a network focused on collaborative research protocols. More information can be found on the APA website.

Pathways.orgFocuses on training clinicians in the detection of motor disorders and delays. The site has helpful side-by-side comparisons of children with and without deficits including helpful commentary on performance differences.